Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has a rich and complex history. Until its forced inclusion into Pakistan in 1948, Balochistan was an autonomous region comprising princely states with its unique culture and language.
There have been multiple waves of uprisings in the 1950s, 1970s, and early 2000s—seeking greater autonomy or independence, resulting in longstanding tensions with the Pakistani state. Balochistan also witnessed widespread protests in July and August this year.
The Root Causes of the Conflict
One of the primary grievances of the Baloch people is their demand for political autonomy. Many Baloch nationalists argue that the region has historically been denied a fair share of power within Pakistan’s federal structure and that their rights to self-governance have been systematically undermined.
Despite being resource-rich and possessing natural gas, coal, gold, and minerals, Balochistan remains one of Pakistan’s poorest regions. The local population alleges that the Pakistani state exploits the province’s natural resources while providing minimal economic benefits or development for the Baloch people. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key infrastructure project, has only intensified these concerns. The local Baloch community feels that they are being excluded from economic gains and that the development is focused more on strategic and commercial interests than on local welfare.
Balochistan has seen frequent military operations aimed at suppressing dissent and combating insurgent groups. Human rights organisations have reported allegations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests of activists, students, and political leaders. This heavy-handed approach has deepened the distrust between the Baloch people and the Pakistani state.
The Baloch are an ethnic minority within Pakistan, with their own language, culture, and customs. Many Baloch activists feel that the Baloch identity is being suppressed, leading to a fear of losing their cultural heritage and language.
The Current Situation
Various Baloch armed groups, such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have been waging a low-intensity insurgency against the Pakistani government. Their demands range from greater autonomy and resource control to full independence. These groups have targeted government installations, infrastructure projects, and security forces.
In response, the Pakistani state has deployed military and paramilitary forces. Counter-insurgency operations have focused on dismantling militant networks but have also been criticised for human rights violations. Development projects under CPEC are meant to bring economic growth to the region, but there is concern that they might exacerbate local grievances if not managed inclusively.
Ordinary Baloch citizens often find themselves caught between insurgent groups and state forces. The ongoing violence and military presence have disrupted daily life, contributing to a sense of insecurity and socio-economic stagnation.
The International Angle
The Baloch struggle has started to receive international attention, partly due to the efforts of the Baloch diaspora. Protests like the recent one in Geneva aim to shine a spotlight on human rights violations and political repression in Balochistan. These protests emphasise the need for global intervention and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The strategic location of Balochistan, particularly with the development of the Gwadar port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has attracted attention from key international stakeholders like China, which has major investments in CPEC; the United States, concerned about regional security; India, with its geopolitical interests in the region; and Iran, as a neighbouring country affected by regional dynamics.
China is deeply involved in Balochistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion dollar infrastructure project to enhance connectivity between Gwadar Port and China. China’s investments in the region make it a key player interested in ensuring stability for the success of its economic ventures.
On the other hand, India views Balochistan through a strategic and geopolitical lens, particularly due to its rivalry with Pakistan. It has expressed concern over human rights abuses in the region and has hinted at supporting the Baloch cause as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s involvement in Kashmir.
Future Outlook
The ongoing insurgency reflects a deep-seated frustration over political and economic disempowerment. While some advocate for negotiations and reforms to address Baloch’s grievances, others believe the conflict will persist if the demands for autonomy and resource control are not adequately addressed. This divide within the Baloch nationalist movement has broader implications for regional stability, given Balochistan’s strategic location and natural resources.
A Path Forward
The Baloch conflict is a complex and multilayered issue that must address the root causes—political representation, economic equity, human rights, and cultural preservation. While the protest in Geneva and the international attention it garnered highlight the urgent issue, it remains to be seen whether the global community can play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and promoting a just and lasting resolution for all parties involved.
(The writer is an IT professional. Views personal.)
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